How to Replace Shock Absorbers
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
Haven't done the fronts, but the rears are very easy. Peel back the liner in the trunk to gain access to the shock mounts. Remove the center nuts on the shock rod at the upper mounts. Jack the car up and the shocks should drop out of the mounts. It is a good idea to support the control arm where the shock mounts to the arm. Next gain access to the lower shock mount by prying open the plastic protective covers and loosen the nuts. You'll need a socket and a wrench because you are removing a nut from a free spinning bolt.
Install the new shocks by installing the bottom bolt/nut and then either jack up the suspension, or lower the car slowly while you guide the upper shock rod through the upper shock mount. At this point you can lower the car and tighten the lock nut on the center rod in the trunk and you're done.
Install the new shocks by installing the bottom bolt/nut and then either jack up the suspension, or lower the car slowly while you guide the upper shock rod through the upper shock mount. At this point you can lower the car and tighten the lock nut on the center rod in the trunk and you're done.
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
1997 E320 (silver/black)
W210 Front Shock Replacement
Fronts are quite easy to do also - assuming you can get the the nuts on the stem loose without the special tool. They are a close fit in the well of the top mount. One trick that worked for me was to only turn the front wheels about halfway in the direction of the shock you're working on. Makes it much easer to drop the old shock and insert the new one than if you cut the steering all the way to that side.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
So easy you really dont need instructions. But since I had my camera handy, I
just brought it with me into the garage. Hope it helps....
p.s. tnx to ThreeTwenty's wife who made him give up the 2 week old set of
shocks. My gain -- love the ride!
just brought it with me into the garage. Hope it helps....
p.s. tnx to ThreeTwenty's wife who made him give up the 2 week old set of
shocks. My gain -- love the ride!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: City of Angels
00 E430 Sport and 97 E320
So easy you really dont need instructions. But since I had my camera handy, I
just brought it with me into the garage. Hope it helps....
p.s. tnx to ThreeTwenty's wife who made him give up the 2 week old set of
shocks. My gain -- love the ride!
just brought it with me into the garage. Hope it helps....
p.s. tnx to ThreeTwenty's wife who made him give up the 2 week old set of
shocks. My gain -- love the ride!
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
W212 & W210
Raymond,
That's awesome that you took the time to document this DIY.
I needed new rear shocks and was contemplating doing this myself or taking the car to a shop. Now that I've seen your tutorial, I will do it myself.
One question on the trunk liner removal. Did you only have to remove the floor liner or did you remove part of the side liner as well?
Thanks!
That's awesome that you took the time to document this DIY.
I needed new rear shocks and was contemplating doing this myself or taking the car to a shop. Now that I've seen your tutorial, I will do it myself.
One question on the trunk liner removal. Did you only have to remove the floor liner or did you remove part of the side liner as well?
Thanks!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore MD
MB, BMW
i love DIy work but if the indy is only charging $160 for the work, let him do it. it takes probably 1 hr (prolly more on the first try) per corner, we're looking at at least 3-4hr of work. my2cents
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: California
1998 E320
wow thanks raymond. That makes me want to get bilstein sport shocks and put them in myself 
I have eibachs and the oem shocks in right now. I probably will later buy bilsten sport shocks and install them with your directions. Thanks!
I have eibachs and the oem shocks in right now. I probably will later buy bilsten sport shocks and install them with your directions. Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
only need to remove the back wall. the sides stay in place. of course, you
remove the spare tire lid...simple piece of card/hardboard. then, you only
remove the back wall liner....though you may need to flex the sides a tad to
release the back liner.
when you're done with this, you'll feel like you're somebody because 'you did your
shocks by yourself'. LOL just dont tell anyone how easy it is. do *not* pay
the mechanic $200. if you have the tools listed, you'll be in fat city. if you
wanted to go for speed record, get a brace (for sockets) and ratchet box
wrench. the only real effort you'll expend is trying to compress the shock
while securing the twine....it's kind of a 2.5 hand effort. but you'll hardly
break a stride doing it.
i tried to make the DIY write up as simple and clear as possible. that way,
it'll give other folks who may have been apprehensive about this task a
clearer view of how simple it is....and with basic garage mechanic tools. if
you come up with more tips, fwd to me and I'll add to the PDF.
i'm about to do spring/lowering but that is prob even easier so may not do the
photos....i dunno.
remove the spare tire lid...simple piece of card/hardboard. then, you only
remove the back wall liner....though you may need to flex the sides a tad to
release the back liner.
when you're done with this, you'll feel like you're somebody because 'you did your
shocks by yourself'. LOL just dont tell anyone how easy it is. do *not* pay
the mechanic $200. if you have the tools listed, you'll be in fat city. if you
wanted to go for speed record, get a brace (for sockets) and ratchet box
wrench. the only real effort you'll expend is trying to compress the shock
while securing the twine....it's kind of a 2.5 hand effort. but you'll hardly
break a stride doing it.
i tried to make the DIY write up as simple and clear as possible. that way,
it'll give other folks who may have been apprehensive about this task a
clearer view of how simple it is....and with basic garage mechanic tools. if
you come up with more tips, fwd to me and I'll add to the PDF.
i'm about to do spring/lowering but that is prob even easier so may not do the
photos....i dunno.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C-Class
300te
Hi All,
I have a 1992 300TE-24v sportline. I also need to change the front shocks. Recently got the rear self-levelling ones replaced by the mechanic and want to do the front myself to A). reduce costs, B). Do a better job.
I have looked that 'raymond g-' tutorial, its fantastic, but covers the later model. Does anyone have experience in the older model? I would really need a tutorial on it.
Regards,
jrBenz.
I have a 1992 300TE-24v sportline. I also need to change the front shocks. Recently got the rear self-levelling ones replaced by the mechanic and want to do the front myself to A). reduce costs, B). Do a better job.
I have looked that 'raymond g-' tutorial, its fantastic, but covers the later model. Does anyone have experience in the older model? I would really need a tutorial on it.
Regards,
jrBenz.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 15
From: Boston, MA
2002 E320 4matic 92K (bought 12/20/06). 2000 E430 4matic (RIP 12/9/06) :(
oliver, im also curious about the difficulty in a 4matic.
i will probably take it to an alignment specialist i know of in my area who is very good. are the rears more expensive thanthe fronts; my understanding is they are significantly more expensive?
i will probably take it to an alignment specialist i know of in my area who is very good. are the rears more expensive thanthe fronts; my understanding is they are significantly more expensive?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
The rears (if you don't have a wagon) are cheap and a piece of cake.
I bought standard RWD shocks for about $62 each at azautohaus. Installation is about a 35 minute affair. Not difficult to do at all.
The front is more tricky because the spring sits on the shock, and the shock actually goes over the half shaft. Id imagine you have to either disconnect the haf shaft, or somehow seperate the upper links so that the ds and the lower control arm can lower far enough to get the whole assembly out.
Definitely a pain compared to the standard front setup.
I bought standard RWD shocks for about $62 each at azautohaus. Installation is about a 35 minute affair. Not difficult to do at all.
The front is more tricky because the spring sits on the shock, and the shock actually goes over the half shaft. Id imagine you have to either disconnect the haf shaft, or somehow seperate the upper links so that the ds and the lower control arm can lower far enough to get the whole assembly out.
Definitely a pain compared to the standard front setup.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 15
From: Boston, MA
2002 E320 4matic 92K (bought 12/20/06). 2000 E430 4matic (RIP 12/9/06) :(
Interesting....when I go to autohausaz.com:
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ock%20Absorber
I'm only seeing front 4matic shocks and rear wagon shocks. I have a sedan...where are you seeing rear shocks for a 4m sedan?
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ock%20Absorber
I'm only seeing front 4matic shocks and rear wagon shocks. I have a sedan...where are you seeing rear shocks for a 4m sedan?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 15
From: Boston, MA
2002 E320 4matic 92K (bought 12/20/06). 2000 E430 4matic (RIP 12/9/06) :(
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Use Rays
diy on benzworld.org w210 diy section.
If someone claims that it takes an hour per corner,they are working in a different universe
Rear shocks on the 4 matic are standard shocks,the fronts are the costly ones.You do not need a wheel alignment after new shocks are installed.And no you don't need a spring compressor.
4matic front shocks diy wis is on alldatadiy.com or
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/
get a one day subscription
If someone claims that it takes an hour per corner,they are working in a different universe
Rear shocks on the 4 matic are standard shocks,the fronts are the costly ones.You do not need a wheel alignment after new shocks are installed.And no you don't need a spring compressor.
4matic front shocks diy wis is on alldatadiy.com or
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/
get a one day subscription
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
i just tried opening the file linked in post #6 and the PDF renders just fine for me. here is a more direct link to it, sans Benzworld link. is this any better?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Revere, MA
99 E55 AMG
Thats perfect Ray! I'll definitley do it myself. I'm NO mechanic, but i'm good with my hands. Plus, you made it even easier. Great Tutorial!
Any clue as where to get a set of Bilstein HDs for a good price?
Any clue as where to get a set of Bilstein HDs for a good price?
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
1997 MB E420
Thanks Raymond! I was able to download it. I was checking the tire rack and they have:
Bilstein HD Shocks for $108
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks for $64
Koni Sport Shocks for $168
Has Anyone used KYB before? I'm thinking of trying them.
ed
Bilstein HD Shocks for $108
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks for $64
Koni Sport Shocks for $168
Has Anyone used KYB before? I'm thinking of trying them.
ed
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Don't
just use oe or sport bilsteins if you are not lowering the car and bilstein sports if you are lowering it.Hd will make it very harsh and kyb are best for a car that you take to the track.You will not like the ride quality.
check autohausaz.com for oe shocks.
check autohausaz.com for oe shocks.
